Of all the many changes you’ll make during pregnancy, switching to pregnancy-safe skincare is easy and safe with the right information. While there are many ingredients on the “no” list at 40 weeks (or even longer if you’re breastfeeding), you don’t have to sacrifice efficacy for safety. There are many effective topical products that can keep your daily life running smoothly without using worrisome ingredients. Next, we’ll take a look at some tried and tested pregnancy-safe skincare products and have dermatologists explain what, when, why, and whether you need to replace them.
Askme’s favorite maternity-safe skin-care products:
Best Face Cleanser: Fresh Soy Moisturizing Gentle Cleanser, $39
Best Retinol Alternative: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Serum, $84
Best Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, $182
Best Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral SPF 30, $38
Best Hyaluronic Serum: Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum, $325
Best Eye Cream: Shiseido Benefience Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, $65
Best Face Oil: True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil, $120
Best Face Moisturizer: Tata Harper Superkind Fortifying Moisturizer, $130
Best Exfoliator: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $85
in this story
How does pregnancy affect the skin?
Which skin care products are safe during pregnancy?
What skin care ingredients should you avoid during pregnancy?
What is an ideal pregnancy skin care routine?
How often should you change your skin care routine once you find out you’re pregnant?
Should I use pregnancy care products after giving birth?
Meet the experts
Best Retinol Alternative: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Serum
Why we love it: If you’re addicted to the skin-transforming benefits of retinol, skipping it during pregnancy and breastfeeding might feel like a no-brainer. Make this serum your go-to option: A powerful combination of resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, and vegan collagen helps smooth wrinkles without irritation (another side effect of retinol). It has the feel of a cream essence and a light fresh floral scent that fades after application. “For a good nightly pregnancy skincare routine that also has anti-aging benefits, I would use resveratrol,” says Dr. Mara Weinstein, a dermatologist in Rochester, N.Y. She also recommends bakuchiol and peptides as safer retinol alternatives. That way, “you still get skin cell renewal and collagen stimulation.”
Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, Hyaluronic Acid, Vegan Collagen 1
Specifications: 30ml
Best Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Acid (contains 15% L-ascorbic acid)
Why we love it: This iconic, Esquem-proven vitamin C formula is beloved for its well-documented benefits, and is apparently a hit among dermatologists themselves (Weinstein says it’s often used after laser treatments to enhance the healing process). One of the most researched over-the-counter products, this serum has been shown to reduce environmental damage on the skin in peer-reviewed studies, and all of the active ingredients are deemed safe to use during pregnancy. “I like taking vitamin C supplements during pregnancy because you’re more sensitive to the sun during this time,” says Miami-based dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo. “Along with retinol, which should not be used during pregnancy, vitamin C is the most researched ingredient to ensure visible results.” Pro tip: If you’re sensitive to fragrances during pregnancy (this serum is known to have a somewhat strong scent), consider using it. hot dogs) or you have more sensitive skin, choose a vitamin C that contains 10% or less L-ascorbic acid or a form of vitamin C called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
Key Ingredients: L-Ascorbic Acid 15%, Alpha-Tocopherol 1%, Ferulic Acid 0.5%
Specifications: 30ml
Best Face Cleanser: Fresh Soy Moisturizing Gentle Cleanser
Why we love it: This all-purpose cleanser is soothing and hydrating, has no added fragrance and is safe to use around the eyes without irritating the skin. “Gentle cleansing is key when skin is more prone to sensitivity and redness,” says Ciraldo. This mild gel formula transforms into a soft lather when mixed with water, gently removing dirt and residue, leaving skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Cucumber extract, Borage seed oil, Soy protein
Strength: 150 ml / 5 fl oz
Best Makeup Remover: Elemis Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm
Why we love it: Oils are best at removing makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and grime, making cleansing balms ideal for seamlessly cleansing skin at the end of a long day. Elemis’ beloved lip balm is formulated to blend instantly into skin and rinse away with warm water, leaving no residue. While the original Cleansing Balm has a wonderful botanical scent, the fragrance-free Naked formula will be better if you hate smells more during pregnancy. (Editor’s note: Wipe the balm off with a warm, damp cloth for a more thorough cleansing and mild exfoliation.)
Key Ingredients: Wheat germ oil, Oat oil, Elderberry oil, Star flower oil, Malachite oil
Specifications: 100 grams
Best Sunscreen Lotion: La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral SPF 30
Why we love it: The smooth, non-greasy feel of this La Roche-Posay formula makes it the perfect sunscreen for daily facial use during pregnancy. Added antioxidants help boost protection, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep skin nourished. In terms of SPF, it benefits from 5.5% titanium dioxide and 10% zinc oxide, which provide a physical barrier against harmful UV rays. “Sunscreen is the first-line treatment for preventing melasma,” says Weinstein. “Mineral sunscreens are not only considered safer, but also have a lower risk of irritation than chemical sunscreens.”
Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Senna, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Vitamin B5
Strength: 1.7 fl oz/50 ml
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Livde Tinted Hugard Skin Tint SPF 50
Why we like it: If you suffer from melasma (or your mom does) or are concerned about hyperpigmentation during pregnancy, opt for a tinted sunscreen. Studies show that tinted mineral sunscreens are better at preventing melasma than colorless mineral sunscreens. “The iron oxide in the tint helps block the visible light that causes melasma,” says Ciraldo. Live Tinted’s hydrating formula, available in nine shades, offers light to medium buildable coverage, is sweat resistant, glowy, and has a nice high SPF. Tinted sunscreens are also great for people with darker skin who are concerned about potential white spots that are common in some mineral sunscreens.
Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Butterfly Flower Extract, Indian Gooseberry, Hyaluronic Acid, Sea Buckthorn Oil
Strength: 1.35 fl oz/40 ml
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Why we love it: Dry skin issues can be exacerbated during pregnancy, so a simple hydrating serum is a must-have. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s highly regarded product contains three different types of hyaluronic acid with low, medium, and high molecular weights for deep penetration. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, glides on well under creams and makeup, doesn’t pill, and provides plenty of moisture with little product. The streamlined formula has just eight ingredients in total (rarely found on shelves) and contains purslane plant extract to help soothe skin and prevent it from becoming red and more irritated during pregnancy.
Main Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Purslane extract
Specifications: 30ml
Best Eye Cream: Shiseido Benefience Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
Why we love it: When skin becomes drier, more irritated, and more prone to eczema during pregnancy, the delicate skin around your eyes can be the first place to show signs of it — not to mention dark circles (hello, pregnancy insomnia!) become more pronounced. Shiseido’s ultra-creamy formula offers some relief with powerful anti-aging ingredients and rich moisturizers like peptides, squalane, and ginseng extract. Plus, the formula has a light peachy hue and contains iron oxide, which helps block visible light that causes pigmentation. “I’m a big proponent of eye creams because the skin around the eyes is obviously different and many facial products aren’t tested for safe use around the eyes,” Weinstein said. “Massaging around the eyes and temples can also help relieve pregnancy puffiness.”
Key Ingredients: Peptides, Squalane, Ginseng Extract, Vitamin E
Specifications: 15ml
Best Face Oil: True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil
Why we love it: The beautiful golden color of this oil indicates that it’s rich in botanicals that are natural sources of essential elements like ceramides, fatty acids, and antioxidants. This thoughtful combination makes the formula both hydrating and purifying—a boon if you’re experiencing dryness and acne at the same time during pregnancy. The seed oil inside is also similar to our skin’s natural oils, making it more biocompatible. “If you have very dry skin or a winter cold, this can be a helpful extra layer,” says Weinstein. It tastes as delicious as it looks, and pairs perfectly with other skincare and makeup products.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil, Helichrysum, Hemp Seed Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Algae Extract
Strength: 1 fl oz/30 ml
Best Face Moisturizer: Tata Harper Superkind Fortifying Moisturizer
Why we love it: Whether you’re trying to streamline your daily routine or already juggle multiple tasks at once, finding a moisturizer that does more than just hydrate is always a good idea. Tata Harper’s is perfect — lightweight and absorbent, creating a hydrating cushion with a slight glow. The botanical extracts and polysaccharides in this 100% naturally derived formula help maintain the skin’s natural lipid barrier, while also preventing irritation caused by botanical extracts in harsh climates. It’s free of gluten, wheat, soy and nut derivatives, fragrances, essential oils, and common allergens and irritants. It uses calendula juice as its first ingredient instead of the water typically found in many skincare formulas, which also helps soothe skin.
Key Ingredients: Calendula Extract, Shea Butter, Microalgae Peptides, Mondo Root
Size: 1.7 fl oz.
Best Soothing Treatment: Dr. Loretta Barrier Repair Gel Cream
Why we love it: Dr. Loretta’s formula is as light as a lotion, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free, balancing the skin’s microbiome while rebuilding the lipid barrier. Powered by a blend of peptides, ceramides, and postbiotics, this gel-cream helps reduce redness, soothe irritation, and soften skin. “Many skin issues like eczema, dermatitis, and dry skin can develop during pregnancy,” says Weinstein. “These conditions often go unnoticed in skin of color because on darker skin, it doesn’t look like erythema, so if these areas aren’t treated, they can develop pigmentation post-inflammation.” Expert tip: If your skin is itchy and you’re past the first trimester, it’s safe to use a low-dose hydrocortisone, like Aquaphor Anti-Itch Ointment, says Ciraldo.
Key Ingredients: Bioidentical Ceramides, Tripeptide 38, Vegan Postbiotics and Ergothioneine.
Strength: 1.7 fl oz/50 ml
Best Serum: Heel Serum
Why we love it: If your skin is feeling drier and more dehydrated than usual, try adding a maternity-safe serum to your routine. Using multiple layers of moisturizer (ranging from light to thick formulas) can help replenish moisture more effectively. Using pregnancy-safe ingredients like fermented rice, green tea, and algae, Tatcha’s cult-favorite Hydrating Serum feels like water, hydrates like a cream, and repairs like a serum. It feels soft when pressed and leaves skin feeling plump, yet absorbs completely.
Key Ingredients: Fermented Rice, Green Tea and Algae.
Size: 5 fl. oz./150 ml
Best Exfoliator: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Why we love it: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like lactic acid, help remove dead skin cells and refine pores, making them a pregnancy-safe option for tackling hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores. Whether you leave it on overnight or for as little as three minutes, skin will look refreshed, brighter, and more voluminous. While lactic acid is considered the most hydrating acid, Cerraldo advises not to use an exfoliant if your skin is particularly dry.
Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Licorice, Lemongrass, Arnica, Prickly Pear Extract and Aloe Vera.
Strength: 1 fl oz/30 ml
Best acne treatment: PanOxyl Night Spot Patch
Why we love it: Since retinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide (as well as prescription acne prevention treatments like spironolactone) should be avoided during pregnancy, many typical acne treatments won’t work. But pregnancy hormones may also cause you to notice more pimples. One of the best ways to take care of these breakouts is to use a hydrocolloid acne patch, which contains no active ingredients but helps absorb oil and dirt to reduce whitehead scarring. Ciraldo reassures them, saying: “We use a hydrocolloid patch on the wound, and if you think about it, the pimple is like a small wound. Plus, it helps prevent itching.”
Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloids
Size: 40ct
Best Nicotinamide Serum: Regular Nicotinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Why we love it: Nicotinamide is a pregnancy-safe, multi-functional ingredient that dermatologists love and is known to help improve fine lines, hyperpigmentation, repair the skin barrier, and even eliminate irritation. The Ordinary’s water-based formula is fortified with zinc PCA to help control oil production during hormonal breakout periods. “Many women get red during pregnancy, whether due to hormonal effects or sensitivity from added stress, and nicotinamide is a great topical medication to reduce redness,” explains Ciraldo. A few drops of this ultra-light serum easily cover your entire face.
Main Ingredients: Nicotinamide, PCA Zinc
Specifications: 30ml
“The three biggest problems during pregnancy are that the skin becomes very sensitive and red; it can lead to acne,” says the mother of four and now grandmother who has worked in Miami, Florida, for 40 years. You can be more susceptible to melasma and hyperpigmentation, and hormonal changes make you more vulnerable to melasma and hyperpigmentation. “I often think it’s hereditary.” Rosacea can also flare up during pregnancy, when your blood volume doubles. And don’t underestimate the impact of the stress of pregnancy, which can trigger the onset of conditions like eczema.
According to doctors, all types of products can be used, but certain ingredients should be avoided (the full list is below). While it may seem like choosing “natural” skin care products that are completely natural equates to safety, that’s not always the case. “Sometimes ‘natural’ brands contain so many botanicals that it feels like a walk in the woods and you know a lot,” says Ciraldo. “Read ingredient labels. And keep your routine simple.”
Weinstein recommends sticking to brands with a proven track record. “The big drugstore brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil have invested a lot of money in safety studies and data,” Weinstein said. “Their R&D teams are strong and their long history ensures their safety.”
In general, patch test new products on the inside of your arms or behind your ears for 24 hours to check for irritation. While chemical sunscreens should be replaced with mineral sunscreens, doctors recommend using any sunscreen rather than using no sunscreen at all.
Doctors recommend avoiding retinol (including tretinoin), salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydrocortisone (in early pregnancy), chemical sunscreens, hydroquinone, and tetracycline during pregnancy.
Less significant, but with potential for irritation, experts recommend avoiding these if possible. “These are worrisome because studies have shown that when large amounts of these ingredients are applied to the skin, there can be some systemic absorption — and we have data on this,” Weinstein said. “Anything that is absorbed throughout the body can enter your bloodstream and potentially affect the baby.”
Since researchers will not conduct studies on pregnant patients, the list of ingredients to avoid is very cautious, and it may take a long time for recommendations to change. Over time, as more research becomes available, some previously avoided beauty procedures, such as hair dyes, are now considered safe.
“I think it’s best to follow all recommendations (even if they seem overly cautious),” Ciraldo said. “God forbid there are any complications and you don’t want the added stress of having to reconsider your options.”
Sure, you might feel the need to completely overhaul your routine from top to bottom, but the good news is that you don’t need to fix anything that isn’t broken. “If you already have a good habit, keep it going and only remove the things you know are unsafe—just replace them,” says Weinstein. As far as your daily routine goes, the simpler the better: cleanser, antioxidant serum (like vitamin C), moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day, followed by cleanser and some anti-aging product (think: peptide-rich or retinol ingredients) at night.
Ideally, skin care changes during pregnancy should begin when you’re trying to conceive. But if you haven’t made any changes after you found out you’re pregnant, don’t worry too much — your best option is to change your daily habits as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Of more concern are oral medications for acne, such as spironolactone and isotretinoin, which you should stop using immediately and consult your obstetrician-gynecologist.
If you’re breastfeeding, doctors recommend continuing to follow pregnancy safety parameters. Like many recommendations during pregnancy, this is mainly a precautionary measure. “The risk of systemic absorption of topical retinoids from the skin into breast milk is very low,” says Dr. Weinstein. “But it’s still considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.” You can resume using all topical medications as soon as breastfeeding is over.
Dr. Loretta Ciraldo is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami and the founder of Dr. Loretta Skin Care.
Dr. Mara Weinstein is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic and laser surgeon in Rochester, New York.